News

uOBMRI in Review | Memory & Cognition Group

In 2017, the uOBMRI and Bruyère Research Institute (BRI) launched the Memory Collaborative, a joint fundraising partnership for improved memory and dementia research. Our 2017-2018 Annual Report profiled the Memory Cognition Group and how the Memory Collaborative partnership emerged from it.

Stem cells can become neurons within the stroke-injured brain – making them potential big players in recovery

From uOttawa Media: Dr. Diane Lagace, Dr. Jean-Claude Béïque and their team from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, including first author and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Timal Kannangara, are bringing new hope for stroke recovery.

The team’s work published in Stem Cell Reports shows that stem cells in the adult brain can migrate to the site of stroke damage and become neurons. Although limited in number, these new cells can fire action potentials and are functionally connected with surrounding networks, all defining features of fully functioning neurons.

Dr. Simon Chen awarded with 2018 NARSAD Young Investigator Grant

From press release: Dr. Chen wants to help develop therapeutic strategies to counteract brain circuit dysfunctions associated with motor skill-related deficits in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). One strong genetic risk factor for developing an ASD is a specific mutation that researchers have been able to mimic in mice, which has the impact of delaying motor-skill learning. Dr. Chen will image the brains of these mice to elucidate the roles of the hormone and neurotransmitter noradrenaline in motor learning and examine whether stimulating the brain cells that produce noradrenaline can affect motor learning.

Could leaky blood vessels be a target for treating migraines?

Migraine headaches are often accompanied by electrical waves that slowly move across the brain, causing flashes of light and other visual disturbances. Referred to as “migraine aura”, this phenomenon also affects the brain’s blood vessels, allowing large molecules from the blood to leak into the brain and cause inflammation and damage. New research led by Drs. Baptiste Lacoste, Cenk Ayata and Chenghua Gu reveals for the first time exactly how the blood-brain barrier opens during a migraine attack, and how to stop it.

Quick Facts

50% of all Canadians – about 15 million people – have had a brain disorder impact their family.

Within the next 20 years, brain disorders will become the leading cause of death and disability in Canada.

Brain disorders do not discriminate. They strike men and women, young and old.

Based on Health Canada data, the economic burden of neurological and psychiatric diseases, disorders and injuries is conservatively estimated at 14% of the total burden of disease, or $22.7 billion annually.